THE thought of Alex McLeish moving across the city is impossible.

The bad blood between the two clubs is immense. I am not sure those outside Birmingham realise how nasty and aggressive these derbies are in the Midlands.

I concede the board cannot put too much store by what fans say on messageboards, but fans are customers and the club want bums on seats, not lower attendances and unrest.

I would fear for McLeish and his safety walking around Birmingham.

All we want is a manager who shows respect to Villa and wants to be here. None of this ‘while I was at Leeds’ (David O’Leary), talk of Celtic then a walk-out (Martin O’Neill) and especially not ‘I love Liverpool’ (Gerard Houllier).

We might not be massive any more but we are still a big club and the fans deserve a smile on their faces.

I cannot see the supporters letting this happen. There are many moderate and reasonable fans trying to communicate that if McLeish comes, they will walk away – no season ticket, no match tickets, full stop.

Randy Lerner loves Villa and respects the fans. He will not do anything to leave us all devastated.